Nobel Laureate Prof. Victor R. Ambros Doctor Honoris Causa of the Silesian University of Technology
Nobel Prize winner, Prof. Victor R. Ambros received the Honoris Causa Doctorate of the Silesian University of Technology. He is the second Nobel Prize winner to become an Honorary Doctor of our University.
Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun made a breakthrough discovery of microRNA and its role in regulating gene expression, which ushered in a new field of molecular biology. This discovery has changed the way scientists understand the mechanisms of genetic control of developmental processes. This is important for research on cancer, metabolic and neurological diseases. For their discovery, scientists received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2024.
The ceremony of awarding the title of Doctor Honoris Causa of the Silesian University of Technology took place on the 6th of May 2025 with the participation of the University authorities, scientists, students, representatives of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, the Upper Silesian-Zagłębie Metropolis, representatives of Silesian universities and cities.
The laureate and the visitors to the Education and Congress Centre were welcomed by the Rector of the Silesian University of Technology Prof. Marek Pawełczyk.
-"Today's event is extraordinary for many reasons. First, because we honour a scientist whose work is a milestone in the modern understanding of gene expression. Secondly, because we are doing it as the first University in the world, after awarding to the professor the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, only seven months ago, in October 2024” – said the Rector of the Silesian University of Technology Prof. Marek Pawełczyk.
Professor Victor R. Ambros is a figure widely known and appreciated in the scientific community. His breakthrough discovery of microRNAs, short non-coding RNA molecules that perform fundamental regulatory functions in cells, has become one of the most important biological breakthroughs of the last half century.
- “The introduction of microRNA to science has completely changed the way we understand how the genome works. For decades, the central dogma of molecular biology has been based on a simple scheme: DNA encodes RNA and RNA encodes protein. The discovery of microRNA showed that reality is much more complex, that there are mechanisms of subtle and dynamic regulation that determine the activity of genes and thus the functioning of our body. What at first seemed like a curiosity, today is the basis for modern therapies, biomarkers of cancer diseases, strategies for treating neurodegenerative or autoimmune diseases. MicroRNAs have become not only the subject of intensive research, but also an important element of clinical practice. It shows the power of true science that reveals secrets and changes the world. However, behind these discoveries are not only the intellect, laboratories, and apparatus. Above all, there is a man of exceptional determination, of extraordinary humility in the face of the complexity of nature, a man who did not seek a quick career, but with an obstinacy worthy of the highest recognition, built the foundations of his discovery. Professor Ambros did not work for the awards, although these came with time, but for the truth. And it was this truth, sought with such passion, that made his name immortal in the world of science. Today, when many fields of science are struggling with the pressure of commercialization, with haste, with the culture of citation and ranking, it is worth pointing to the path that Professor Ambros has chosen - the path of deep reflection, careful planning of teamwork and readiness for interdisciplinary dialog. It is a road that not only brings great discoveries but also shapes future generations of scientists” – said the Rector.
The promotion was started by the Vice-Rector for Science and International Cooperation Prof. Sebastian Werle, and the laudation was given by Prof. Krzysztof Fujarewicz, DHC promoter.
- “Each Honoris Causa Doctorate is special and is a great event for the university that confers such a doctorate. But this one is unique for at least two reasons. The first is, of course, the very person of Professor Victor Ambros, a Nobel laureate in physiology or medicine, the author of a discovery of breakthrough importance for the development of modern clinical medicine. Another reason why today’s celebration is special to us is the year in which it takes place. The Silesian University of Technology is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year. Today’s ceremony is the introduction to the celebration of this Jubilee. We could not have dreamed of a better start,” said Professor Krzysztof Fujarewicz.
Today's visit by Prof. Victor R. Ambros at the Silesian University of Technology was not the first.
-” For many years, the Silesian University of Technology has been conducting scientific research on microRNAs and its role in regulating post-transcriptional gene expression in healthy and cancer cells. These studies are carried out, among others, by employees of the Department of Systems Biology and Engineering at the Faculty of Automatic Control, Electronics and Computer Science, of which I have the honour to be the head and based on the laboratory base of the Biotechnology Centre of the Silesian University of Technology. These studies are carried out as part of the NCN grants obtained and have resulted in many valuable scientific works and doctorates. For this reason, Victor Ambros was twice invited to participate (as the author of plenary papers) in Gliwice Scientific Meetings – an annual international scientific conference organized at the Silesian University of Technology by the Department of Systems Biology and Engineering of the Silesian University of Technology, the National Institute of Oncology in Gliwice and the Association for the Support of Cancer Research. The last visit of Professor Victor Ambros to the Silesian University of Technology took place in 2023, before he was awarded the Nobel Prize” - noted Krzysztof Fujarewicz
In his laudation, Professor Fujarewicz also quoted a brief biography and scientific achievements of Professor Ambros.
-” Few people know that Victor Ambros has Polish roots. His father, Longin, was born in Poland, in the village of Dardziszki in the Vilnius region. As a student, Longin showed extraordinary abilities, which enabled him to obtain a scholarship and continue his studies in Vilnius. During World War II he was forced to work in Germany, and after liberation he became a translator in the US Army In 1946, he emigrated to the United States, where he founded a family and settled on a farm. Professor Victor Ambros recalled how he helped his parents work together with seven siblings. In 2013, he told the Journal of Cell Biology that he was the first scientist in the family. The Silesian University of Technology is proud and honoured to be able to honour Professor Victor Ambros with his highest dignity and to give him the title of Doctor Honoris Causa” - added Prof. Fujarewicz.
After Laudation, His Magnificence, the Rector of the Silesian University of Technology, Prof. Marek Pawełczyk made a solemn act of promotion of Prof. Victor Ambros by putting on a doctoral sash and awarding a diploma.
After the ceremony of awarding the title of Doctor Honoris Causa, Professor Ambros thanked for having been granted this great distinction.
- “On the occasion of my visit to the Silesian University of Technology, I realized how great it is for me to belong to the international community of scientists. I would like to express my special gratitude to the staff of the Silesian University of Technology for hospitality, as well as to the University authorities for the kind recognition that has been shown to my career.” - emphasized Professor Ambros.
Professor Ambros referred to the story of his father, who was a Pole, and after the war he emigrated to the USA.
- "You have already heard a little about my father, Longin Ambros, who was an able but very poor young man from a small village. Unfortunately, my father never spoke to us in Polish. Perhaps it was because his childhood was really traumatic – orphanhood, education interruption, war. We never talked about his youth. It is an honour for me that the Silesian University of Technology recognized my achievements and accepted me into its community. This is a very important event in my life because I have such a feeling that by granting me the title of DHC, you grant me this honour as a Pole. At this moment I feel that I belong to Poland, I feel it completely differently than before. This is the reason why this event is so important” - said Prof. Ambros.
The professor briefly presented his research and thanked his colleagues.
- “Receiving the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2024 is in my case a direct consequence of happy circumstances, the work of talented collaborators and the generosity of colleagues. First of all, the work that led to the identification of the first microRNA was done by Rosalind Lee and Rhonda Feinbaum’s team in my laboratory. If it weren’t for their ingenuity and perseverance, this discovery would never have happened – at least not in our case. What’s more, the Nobel Prize-winning discovery was the result of a combination of discoveries made in my laboratory and Gary Ruvkun’s laboratory. “Importantly, Gary and I didn’t work together, but only shared unpublished data with each other – acting in accordance with the ethos of sharing resources and discoveries,” he said.
“Nothing in my professional life would have been possible without the support, cooperation, and companionship of my wife Rosalind Lee. Rosalind and I got married in 1976 and have been working together in a laboratory since 1987. In addition to co-discovering the first microRNA, along with Rhonda Feinbaum, Rosalind has worked with me on other projects and has served as laboratory manager for decades, while creating a wonderful family life for me and our three sons and now four grandchildren” - said Prof. Ambros.
The Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education Prof. Marek Gzik emphasized that for the University it is a prestige and an ennoblement that a person of such an international reputation, a Nobel Prize winner, joins the ranks of outstanding professors of the Silesian University of Technology.
-“On the one hand, it is of course an honour for the recipient of the award, but let us remember that agreeing to accept this honour, which is the DHC title, is also joining the ranks of the University’s ambassadors and partners who confirm good cooperation with the University,” said Professor Gzik.
Kazimierz Karolczak, the President of the Upper Silesian-Zagłębie Metropolis, pointed out that the decision to honour Professor Ambros with the title of DHC of the Silesian University of Technology is a reason to be proud, not only for the laureate.
- “It also testifies to the high scientific level and ambitions of the Silesian University of Technology, an excellent University that plays an important role in the development of our region. In the Upper Silesian-Zagłębie Metropolis, supporting science and higher education is one of the priorities. For years, we have been running a wide program called “the Metropolis of Science,” which aims to support universities in our region and develop educational offer, and in a broader perspective to build a strong academic and research and development centre. I hope that the visit of the Nobel Prize winner will be an inspiration for young scientists and students from our region” – emphasized Kazimierz Karolczak.
During the ceremony, the president of Gliwice, Katarzyna Kuczyńska-Budka, also took the floor.
-"This is an important day for the Silesian University of Technology, it is also an important day for Gliwice. I am honoured to welcome a distinguished scientist whose discovery opened a new chapter in cell biology, a scientist who has changed the way we understand life, literally, in its deepest biological sense. Professor Victor Ambros is not only a scientist, he is also an Explorer, thanks to whom the world learned how our cells develop, function and sometimes, unfortunately, also get sick. He helped us understand the mechanism that affects our health and life. As a Gliwice resident, I am proud that a scientist joins the distinguished group of Doctors Honoris Causa of the Silesian University of Technology, whose achievements have become permanently inscribed in the history of molecular biology” – said the president of Gliwice.
President of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Katowice prof Andrzej Więcek emphasized that today's ceremony is not only a great joy for the Silesian University of Technology. – It is also a holiday for the entire scientific community in Silesia, which is merged by the Polish Academy of Sciences and its branch in Katowice – said Professor Więcek.
-"Professor Ambros' research area has a direct connection and impact on this field of medicine, which I deal with, that is, on oncology," said the director of the National Institute of Oncology - National Research Institute of the Gliwice Branch Prof. Slawomir Blamek. – “Today’s ceremony is also special for me because I am also a graduate of the Silesian University of Technology, not only the Medical University. It is a special moment that my second Alma Mater honours such an outstanding scientist with the title of Doctor Honoris Causa” - Prof. Blamek added.
The ceremony of awarding the title of Doctor Honoris Causa of the Silesian University of Technology to Prof. Victor R. Ambros ended a short performance by the Silesian University of Technology Academic Choir under the baton of Tomasz Giedwiłło.
“The partner of the event is the Upper Silesian and Zagłębie Metropolis.”
